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For seniors contemplating a move, options abound

By Helen Dennis, LA Daily News

Posted:
01/14/2014 04:36:31 PM EST

Last week's column addressed a question from G.B. about the right time to consider moving out of your home to a place where you can age well. She was meeting with some women friends in their 60s and 70s when the question was raised.

This week we'll address some possibilities on where to move. The following options are likely to appeal to those in relatively good health who want to live independently and also have resources to support their choices.

Residential living

This often involves the desire or need to downsize into a smaller residence such as a freestanding home, apartment, duplex or condominium. It includes residents of all ages.

Retirement communities

These communities are designed to serve healthy, independent and active adults. They typically have age restrictions with a minimum age of 50, 55 or 62 years. Many have social activities and outdoor recreational facilities for golf, tennis and swimming and indoor facilities such as spas and exercise rooms.

Large communities often offer even more. Some provide computer-learning centers, yoga, bridge, multiple clubhouses, swimming pools, performing arts and equestrian centers. Living arrangements can include single-family homes and multi-family dwellings or a high-rise tower.

Smaller retirement communities for independent living typically provide apartments with access to meals, housekeeping, transportation and recreational, educational and social activities.

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Naturally occurring retirement communities

These communities are neighborhoods or buildings in which a large segment of the residents are older. In general the structures were not built as a senior housing or retirement community. Individuals have aged in place, living in their same residence for several decades. NORCs enable older adults to stay in their homes and have access to local services, volunteer programs and social activities. See www.norcs.org.

The Village

The Village is another approach to aging in place. It's a membership-driven, grassroots organization that operates with both paid staff and volunteers.

A Village coordinates access to affordable services that include transportation, health and wellness programs, home repairs, social and educational activities and other needs that enable individuals to remain in their homes and stay connected to their community as they age.

Today there are about 94 Villages operating in the U.S. with more than 120 communities in some stage of development. California and New York have the most. See www.vtvnetwork.org.

Senior co-housing

This is a type of collaborative housing. Residents participate in the design and operation of their own neighborhoods. The physical design combines private and communal space.

Private homes contain all the features of conventional homes. Residents also have access to common facilities such as courtyards and a common house. The latter is the social center of a community with a large dining room and kitchen, lounge, recreational facilities and frequently a guest room, workshop and laundry room.

Design features may include studio residences to provide living quarters for home-health aides whose services may be shared by several residents. See www.cohousing.org/elder_cohousing.

The following communities provide a continuum of care and additional supportive services:

Continuing care retirement communities

These communities offer independent living, assisted living and 24-hour skilled nursing care, depending on a person's needs. They typically require a substantial entrance fee and monthly charges. The fees depend on one's health, type of housing, whether one buys or rents and the type of service contract. They often are referred to as life-care communities since they accommodate one's changing needs over a lifetime. See www.calccrc.ca.gov.

Assisted living

It is generally defined as offering assistance with activities of daily living, meals, medications as well as transportation, bathing and dressing if needed. Some provide apartment-style living while others provide rooms, either private or shared. Individuals often make this choice if they need more personal care services than is possible in their home or an independent living community. Independence is encouraged to the extent possible. See www.ahcancal.org.

When you next get together with your friends, consider having a group exercise to list the pros and cons of these various options. Although studies repeatedly show that most people want to age in place, remaining in their own homes for as long as possible, it's the conversation to increase awareness and knowledge that is important. That's what you are doing. Kudos for being proactive and have a fruitful next meeting.

Contact Helen Dennis at Helendenn@aol.com, or go to www.facebook.com/SuccessfulAgingCommunity.